Life Kit: Parenting · NPR

Curbing needle phobia in adults starts with making shots less painful for kids

April 29, 2024·14 min·1 clip
A doctor recalls being held down and screaming during a procedure, sparking his lifelong mission to prevent needless pain.
This episode explores needle phobia in children and adults, featuring an interview with Dr. Stefan Friedrichsdorf, who shares a personal traumatic experience and outlines a five-step protocol to reduce pain and anxiety during medical procedures. It discusses practical strategies like numbing cream and comfort positioning, while addressing skepticism in the medical field and the public health implications of vaccination avoidance.
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